Blue Buck Knob National Forest Scenic Byway
Spend an hour or two traveling down the 24-mile Blue Buck National Scenic Byway!
The byway travels through farmland, open pastures, and densely wooded hillsides. Several overlooks treat adventurers to resplendent panoramas.
The Scenic Byway is a delightful drive, boasting alluring scenes and pleasant recreational opportunities. Its short length, entertainment potential, and scenic qualities make this byway a great place for an afternoon excursion or a delightful weekend trip.
Points of interest along this scenic byway are Indian Creek Overlook, Blue Buck Overlook, Noblett Recreation Area, and the Children's Forest/Blue Hole Trailhead where you can access the Ridge Runner and Ozark Trails. While you're at Noblett Lake, if you head across Highway AP, you can visit the remains of CCC Camp Willow.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed Noblett Lake during the Great Depression. Camp Willow housed the CCC and remnants of the camp can be seen about 2.5 miles east of AP Highway on Forest Road 108, opposite the Noblett Lake Road. You can picnic under the shade of sugar maples, shortleaf pines, and black and white oaks, or take a horseback ride among the wildflowers that sprinkle the rugged terrain near Noblett Lake.
Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway
General Information
Safety:
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Available Maps:
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
January - December
Day use only; no overnight camping allowed
When visiting, please remember:
- Please adhere to all posted speed limits.
No permits are required for passenger cars on the Blue Buck Knob Byway.
No fees are required for this site
Day Use Fee
- Picnic Pavilion at Noblett Lake Recreation Area
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
Camping
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
Wildlife
No matter how friendly your dog is, do not allow them to interact with wildlife. This can frighten or injure wildlife, putting you and your dog in danger.
Address: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.954227
Longitude: -92.107426
Directions
From Cabool, MO
- Take Highway 181 south
- Stay on Highway 181 until you get to Highway AP
- Turn left onto Highway AP
- The scenic byway ends where Highway AP meets Highway 14
Parking
- Blue Buck Lookout
- Noblett Lake
- Blue Hole Trailhead
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
- Noblett Lake Recreation Area
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
There is no potable water available at sites along the byway, please make sure to bring water with you.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
- Noblett Lake
- Blue Hole Trailhead
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking - Single Info
Noblett Lake Recreation Area
Individual picnic tables and grills are available on a first come, first served basis. Vault toilets are available. There is no water available; visitors must bring their own.
The pavilion offers seating for up to 75 people, is equipped with electricity, tables and grills. Trash collection services are provided. There is a fee for use of the pavilion.
Blue Hole Trailhead
There's a picnic table located at the Blue Hole Trailhead of the North Fork Section of the Ozark Trail.
Viewing Wildlife Info
As you drive you may see deer, turkey, and possibly bear.
The ultimate wildlife viewing experience is watching animals in their habitat. Here are some helpful tips to become a wildlife friendly viewer:
- Use the right tools - A field guide, a pair of binoculars and a camera. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season and activity.
- Watch at dawn and dusk - This is the time when most wildlife species are active enough to view.
- Keep your distance - Maintain a distance that is comfortable for the wildlife.
- Stay quiet - Move slowly and quietly to increase your chances of viewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing the animals you wish to watch.
- Do not feed the wildlife - There is plenty of food available in the wild. Human food can cause digestive problems, provide improper nutrition, and even kill an animal.
An online version of the Missouri Wildlife Viewing Guide is available on their website
Viewing Plants Info
The scenic byway meanders through a variety of landscapes, including breathtaking wooded areas that are home to an assortment of trees - shortleaf pine and mixed hardwoods.
Within this wide and varied landscape there exists a diverse array of plants. Of the roughly 2800 species of plant in Missouri, about two-thirds can be found on the Forest. While most can be found commonly throughout the Forest, less common species can be found in specific natural communities such as calcareous fens, acid seeps, and glades (limestone, dolomite and igneous).
What to look for
- Native - MDC Field Guide
- Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Species - Mark Twain | MDC Species
Viewing Scenery Info
This short, 24-mile, byway has several locations where you can stop and have scenic views of the forest.
Noblett Lake Recreation Area
Noblett Lake Recreation Area located on the shore of the 26-acre lake, is a particularly scenic spot that offers picnicking, fishing, bird watching, canoeing and electric motor boating.
Ozark Trail - North Fork Section
Thirteen miles of maintained trails wind along ridgetops and hollows among mixed oak hardwoods and southern pine.
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail
Open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, the Ridge Runner trail leads you through a part of the Missouri Ozarks known for its beauty and limestone karst topography. The landscape varies from gently rolling to very steep terrain with rock outcrops and bluffs. There are a few creek crossings along the trail, no crossings have bridges so you may get your feet wet.
Driving Routes Info
The Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway travels through Missouri's Ozark hill country within the Mark Twain National Forest. It twists and turns through farmland, open pastures, and densely wooded hillsides.